-Mezie Imo Clergy Forum joins Bishop Azubuike to urge Uzodimma 

By Rev Arc. Ugochukwu Samuel

The renowned Mezie Imo Clergy Forum had their 2nd quarterly meeting on 28th  of April 2026 in Owerri  and during the meeting’s AOB, a great issue was raised  concerning Governor hope Uzodimma and the Igbo senate president.  In a powerful convergence of spiritual conviction and pragmatic political foresight, a resounding unanimous endorsement shook the meeting arena: Senator (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma, CON, Governor of Imo State, is the man destined to be the next senate president by reclaiming the Imo West Senatorial seat and, crucially, to become the potent voice of Ndigbo in the hallowed halls of the Nigerian Senate. Their endorsement is not merely a political pronouncement; it is a divine mandate, a passionate plea rooted in a deep understanding of Senator Uzodimma’s unparalleled capacity, national acceptance, indomitable spirit, and strategic positioning for national leadership.

The emotional weight of this endorsement stems from a shared conviction that the Igbo nation requires a strong, experienced, and widely accepted voice at the national level, particularly in the Senate. Bishop Prof. Azubuike, the President of Mezie Imo Clergy Forum, a man of God known for his high spiritual guidance and unwavering commitment to justice, articulated the clergy’s collective sentiment with profound clarity.  We have discerned, and we have seen a leader whose heart is aligned with the aspirations of Igbo  people,” Bishop Azubuike stated, his voice resonating with conviction. “Senator Hope Uzodimma possesses the divine grace and the political fortitude to champion the cause of Ndigbo on the national stage. His return to the Senate is not just a political aspiration; it is a spiritual necessity for our region.”

Mezie Imo Clergy Forum(MICF) is a nondenominational organization of indigenous Imo Christian Priests and has 1250 membership across the 27 LGAs and over 250 community coordinators. They are known for their efforts to make Imo great.  MICF has organized great programmes for the peace and development of Imo state. The widely accepted MEZIE IMO SURVEILLANCE NEWSPAPER is an offshoot of the organization. The musical department of the organization produced an Album: MY IMO, ALA IMO MAA MMA, ANYI CHORO UDO etc.  Mezie Imo Clergy Forum organized the first globally peace summit  2023, during the pick of insecurity in Imo State, the event took place at Event Center, Rockview Hotel Owerri,  Mezie Imo Bi-Annual Award 2021 at Rockview Event Center etc. MICF is convinced that Senator Hope Uzodimma possesses the inherent capacity to be the true and effective voice of Ndigbo at the national level. 

His tenure as Governor of Imo State has showcased his ability to navigate complex governance challenges, to articulate clear policy objectives, and to represent his people with unwavering dedication. His experience in executive leadership, coupled with his prior stint in the Senate, has equipped him with an intimate understanding of national legislative processes and the nuances of political negotiation. This dual mastery, honed by years of service, positions him uniquely to champion Igbo interests, to advocate for their rightful place in national discourse, and to ensure their concerns are not only heard but decisively addressed. The Mezie Imo Clergy Forum sees in him a leader capable of translating the aspirations of millions into concrete policy and action, a voice that will resonate with authority and conviction. In the diverse and often fragmented political landscape of Nigeria, widespread recognition and acceptance are rare commodities. Senator Hope Uzodimma has, through his consistent performance, strategic political engagements, and effective representation, transcended regional boundaries to become a figure widely recognized and accepted across the nation. His leadership of critical national forums, including the APC Progressive Governors Forum, the Southeast Governors Forum, and the Oil Producing State Governors Forum, speaks volumes about his national standing and his ability to command respect across diverse political and ethnic lines. This broad acceptance is crucial for any leader aspiring to represent a significant ethnic bloc on the national stage. The clergy recognize that his nationwide acceptance will lend significant weight to his advocacy for Ndigbo, making his voice more persuasive and his influence more impactful.

The endorsement highlights Governor Uzodimma as an “indomitable political personality in Nigeria.” This is not hyperbole; it is recognition of his resilience, his strategic acumen, and his unwavering tenacity in the face of political challenges. He has weathered storms, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger, a testament to his political fortitude. This indomitable spirit is precisely what Ndigbo need in the Senate  is  a representative who will not be easily swayed, who will fight tenaciously for their interests, and who possesses the strength to navigate the often-turbulent waters of national politics. The clergy see in him a fighter, a protector, and a leader who will not shy away from demanding what is rightfully due to his people. Perhaps one of the most forward-looking and politically astute reasons for this endorsement lies in the projection of His Excellency, Sen.r Uzodimma’s potential for even greater national leadership. 

The clergy and their supporters are keenly aware of the ongoing political permutations at the national level. With the South-South having produced the Senate President in the current dispensation (referencing Senator Akpabio), there is a compelling argument, rooted in fairness and regional balance, that the next Senate Presidency should ideally come from the Southeast. Bishop Azubuike eloquently stated, “We believe that His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, is positioned not just to be a senator, but to ascend to the role of Senate President. This is the turn of the South East, and Senator Uzodimma is the most qualified, the most accepted, and the most capable to lead the Senate, thereby giving Ndigbo unprecedented influence at the highest echelon of national power.” This strategic vision underscores the clergy’s belief that Senator Uzodimma’s return to the Senate is a crucial step towards securing a leadership position that will profoundly benefit the entire Igbo nation.

The endorsement further paints a picture of Hope  Uzodimma as a testament to his immense influence and value within the ruling party. This perception, coupled with his widespread acceptance among the electorate, positions him as a highly sought-after and politically potent figure. His ability to command loyalty, to drive party success, and to deliver for his constituents makes him an invaluable asset. For Ndigbo, this means that a senator representing them would not only have a strong voice but also significant political capital to leverage for their benefit. He is not just a candidate; he is a strategic asset whose political stature can be harnessed for the collective good of the region.

The emotional tenor of this endorsement is undeniable. It is the heartfelt cry of a people who have long yearned for strong, unified representation. It is the spiritual conviction of leaders who believe they have discerned a path towards a brighter future for their flock. It is the pragmatic assessment of political observers who recognize Gov.  Uzodimma’s unique qualifications and strategic positioning. The endorsement by Bishop Prof. Athan Azubuike JP and the Mezie Imo Clergy Forum is more than a political endorsement; it is a rallying cry, a clarion call for Senator Hope Uzodimma to embrace this destiny, to return to the Senate, and to become the powerful, respected, and indomitable voice that Ndigbo deserve on the national stage. The call is passionate, the reasons are compelling, and the hope for a stronger, more influential Igbo representation has never been more palpable